WTB Valve Preamp

[Andy808]

I'm looking for a valve pre for about £400-£600

At the moment I'm using a little dot 3 which is a headphone amp/preamp.

Its my first taste of valves and I want more!

I can't get over the richness, detail and 3d soundstage but would like more bass.

I have been considering the croft 25 micro but I don't think I can put up with dual volumes!

Im thinking maybe a primaluna or a WAD pre3 - although Ive seen this described as a bit flat earth? (I can't go back to the naim sound!)

I only really need line input as Im giving up vinyl!! Anyone got anything suitable

[John]

The WAD pre is really nice I would not worry about the flat earth comments The croft is nice too I not heard the other pre

[Reid Malenfant]

Hows about this then (click me) (http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=16691) :D

[Andy808]

Thanks for the link.

Id already seen that but someone on another forum said it was a bit grainy :(

I also read a review that said it was lacking in the bass - I know that reviews can be nonsense but as thats whats lacking in my pre at the mo sort of puts me off.

Have you heard it?

[Jonboy]

Hi Andy,

You can always pop down and have a listen :)

[Reid Malenfant]

Have you heard it?
In all honesty - no :cool: AN are pretty decent though at the end of the day.

You must remember that whoever said this that & the other about various kit was probably using a totally different power amp, interconnects, source & speakers from what you will be using. & do you know & trust the ears of whoever said this :eyebrows:

[hifi_dave]

Get a Croft and don't worry about the dual volume controls. After using them twice you won't even think about it again.

[Andy808]

Thanks for the offer Jonboy I might take you up on it - what are you impressions of the AN?

Reid Malenfant - you are right of course!

hifi dave - Im just not sure if my other half will put up with it! Is the croft that much better? Whats the bass like?

[realysm42]

As we're on Crofts, do you mind me asking why is has dual volume controls, what's the point?

[Reid Malenfant]

As we're on Crofts, do you mind me asking why is has dual volume controls, what's the point?
Well not everyone has there speakers in precisely the right position :rolleyes: But more to the point, unless you buy a precision stepped attenuator with 0.1% tolerance resistors there will be quite a difference between the attenuation of a dual gang potentiometer at places between zero & full volume.

In other words you can't really get a perfect match. With dual volume pots you can match things, it's just a bit more fiddly :rolleyes:

[Jonboy]

Thanks for the offer Jonboy I might take you up on it - what are you impressions of the AN?



I like them and use one every day but perhaps i'm biased, i think they are good value and and a good introduction into the Audio Note sound, i have now sold quite a few of them with no problems, you are always welcome to come and hear for yourself they can also come with remote as well ;)

The price is negotiable as always

[Darren]

I've never heard an AN pre amp that sounded grainy. Bass is down to a decent impedance match between pre and power amp - take your power amp and go listen.